Playback time

has announced that its third-generation DoMiNo 8653 (DMN-8653) is the first single-chip DVD recorder system processor to integrate dual encoding for the dual-tuner, HDD/DVD recorder platform.

According to LSI, dual encoding allows DVD recorder manufacturers to offer features such as the simultaneous digital recording of two TV programs while viewing live playback of one of the selected channels. Features like this are expected to drive the marketplace adoption of DVD recorders, DVRs/PVRs and new generations of TV displays.

"Processors that enable the recording of two programs at the same time will raise the profile of both combination and standalone DVD recorders. As these advanced recording capabilities increase in popularity with consumers worldwide, the total DVD recorder processor market is expected to reach $875 million by 2008," said IdaRose Sylvester, senior analyst, IDC.

With its high level of integration, the DMN-8653 is said to eliminate the need for a second MPEG A/V encoder and leverages a flexible Unified Memory Architecture (UMA), reducing system BOM costs.

LSI claims the flexible UMA enables either high-performance HDD/DVD recorder products by using a two-chip x32 DRAM configuration or entry-level HDD/DVD recorder products by using a single-chip x16 DRAM configuration. Further system level optimisation can be realised by pairing up with the LSI Logic L3200 optical read/write servo/DSP with integrated AFE.

The DMN-8653 supports video encoding in MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 formats, as well as DivX certified encoding, which allows up to 12 hours of record time on a single DVD disc or hundreds of hours onto the HDD. The DMN-8653 also supports DVD playback functions, including DivX certified playback, SACD, DVD-Audio, SD-to-HD up-scaled video playback output to HDMI, and HD-JPEG output for still images.

The DMN-8653 processor has increased performance over the DMN-8652, enabling high-speed dubbing and dual-stream encoding capabilities. With its single-chip dual-stream encoding feature, the DMN-8653 processor allows true timeshifting (program pause, rewind and/or fast-forward back to live television) while recording another channel in the background. By enabling this feature in a single-chip processor, the DMN-8653 reduces the system level costs by a minimum of $10 vs. other solutions that rely on multiple chips to accomplish the same feature.

The DMN-8653 system processor also includes LSI Logic's DVD recorder features, including video pre- and post-processing technologies that enable the highest-quality video for DVD recording, playback and archiving; Direct Digital Dub(TM) technology that simplifies the transfer of personal digital content from a camcorder to DVD over FireWire; YesDVD intelligent software solution making the automatic editing and conversion of home video easy; and a fully integrated USB host for USB digital cameras and USB Flash Card adapters.

The DMN-8653 maintains software compatibility with previous generations of LSI Logic DoMiNo processors enabling manufacturers to achieve fast time to market.

The DMN-8653 DVD recorder system processor is available to qualified customers starting at $25 in volume quantities.